What's Happening in Ocean City 2/15/12

Canine Celebrity and Best Friend to be Honored at Doo Dah ParadeBy Mark Soifer, Public Relations Director

Elwood, the winner of the 2007 World’s Ugliest Dog Contest, has become a media sensation throughout the world. Guided by Karen Quigley of Sewell, the Chinese crested Chihuahua mix has made appearances at hundreds of gatherings projecting a simple message: “You don’t have to be beautiful to be loveable.”

The story begins when Karen rescues Elwood from his breeder who can find no buyers for the puppy. The Chihuahua is endowed with a seemingly endless tongue, long pointy ears, virtually no fur and sports what most resembles a Mohawk haircut. But his personality is sweet and he is very loveable.

After winning the prestigious contest in Petaluma, CA., Elwood became an international sensation. The media adored him. Stories about the unusual canine appeared in the Associated Press and spread through England, Ireland, Turkey, Brazil, Chile and India as well as all over the United States. As his fame grew he began making major TV appearances on The View, Rachael Ray Show, Dogs 101, Most Outrageous Animals, CNN, Weekend Today and appeared on broadcasts in Brazil, Germany and England.

But Elwood and his mom, Karen, never lost sight of his true mission and purpose-to spread the message to help homeless and abused animals. Together they traveled at their own expense throughout the country to support non-profit rescue groups and raise thousands of dollars for animals in need. In January of 2009, they appeared in Ocean City to raise money for our award winning Humane Society, a No Kill Shelter.

New Jersey Monthly Magazine named Elwood “Most Inspirational Dog in New Jersey” for his charity work. Elwood and Karen also provide author visits to schools teaching children to be kind to animals and the importance of spay/neuter procedures.

The pair has provided programs to Brazilian school children via Skype. In October, Elwood appeared in his first TV commercials for Frontier Airlines, a Colorado based carrier.Karen accompanied by Elwood gave the Commencement Address at Gloucester County College in May, the first in the school’s history that addressed the plight of homeless and abused animals. And yes, Elwood wore a cap and gown.

Elwood and Karen will ride in the City’s Doo Dah Parade on Sat., April 14. The will receive the City’s First Annual Doo Dah Good Doggies Deeds Award on the Reviewing Stand in front of the Music Pier following the Parade. Elwood and Karen will greet their admirers and pose for photos.

On Sun.,Feb.19, author Joseph Bilby presents, New Jersey’s Civil War Experience: a history of New Jersey’s African- American Civil War Soldiers, 1 to 2:15 p.m., Room 110.

Wed., Feb. 22, the Center for Community Arts focuses on free African- American settlements in Lower Township, moving on to West Cape May and Whitesboro, noon to 1:30 p.m., Room 110.

Thurs., Feb. 23, the Lucky Guess Game Show is set for 7 to 8:15 p.m., Room110. This popular event is hosted by professional comedian Ron MacCloskey. It is a horse race with three contestants standing on a track answering multiple choice questions. The audience is encouraged to shout out the answers. Contestants may come dressed as a president to honor President’s Day.

Sat., Feb. 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Room 110, Habiba, an interpretive style of female dance appreciated all over the Arab World including North Africa will be featured. Through discussions and slides, Ms. Barbara Siegel will trace the long history of this dance.

Tues., Feb.28, the Doc Gibbs Drum Program, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Room 110, ages 6-12.This is an interactive drum program for Black History Month featuring drummer Jack Gibbs. Wed. Feb. 29, The Young Adult Movie, Dream Girls (PG-13) based on the Broadway musical will be shown from 3-5 p.m. in Room N110. The movie traces a female trio of soul singers who cross over to the Pops Charts in the early 1960s.

(Fri.-Feb. 24) An OCHS Surf Team Scholarship FUND RAISER will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. The evening will feature food, raffles, vintage surf clips of legendary locals, door prizes and dancing to the Mighty Parrots plus special guests. Donation is $30 per person. Tickets are on sale at the downtown 7th St. Surf Shop, Heritage Surf Shop and Surfer Supplies in Ocean City. For information call Mike Lukens, 892-3482 or Wayne Blizzard 398-9447. Door prizes and raffle items are needed.

(Wed., Feb. 29) The Ocean City High School JAZZ BAND will present a concert at 7 p.m. in the Hughes Performing Arts Center, 6th and Atlantic Ave. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 students. The event is a senior scholarship fund raiser. Tickets will be available at the door.

(March 8) The Ocean City Historical Museum’s Native’s Nights present WERE YOU THERE? The topic will be the 50th Anniversary of the devastating 1962 Nor’easter Storm. The program is set for 7 p.m. at the Community Center Complex, 17th St. and Simpson Ave., Room 110.Photographs will be shown illustrating the damage wrought when the Bay met the Ocean. Personal stories of survival will be told. Please bring photographs, stories, news articles and objects that you have to share. For information, call (609) 399-1801.

(Through Feb.) The Ocean City Arts Center, 17th and Simpson Ave. and the Ocean City Fine Arts League, 608 Asbury Ave. both have exhibits running through the month. Call the Arts Center, (609)399-7628 and the League (609) 814-0308 for information about their many on-going programs. Note: The Ocean City Arts Center has scheduled its second Children’s Craft Work Shop for March 10 from 10 a.m. till noon. This is for children 6 to 11years, pre-registration required. The Workshop will be led by Kathy Hoffman. Cost for the event is $10 plus $5 for materials. Call (609) 399-7628.

AN INTERESTING ITEM: Shawnee Moon (an interesting name) of Cody ,Wyoming (another interesting name) will begin a cross country walk from Ocean City on April 1. Shawnee says she chose Ocean City as a starting place because it has the matching town name of her destination in Washington (an interesting fact). Her walk will cover over 3,000 miles and who knows how many pairs of shoes.

OPERA AUDITIONS ANNOUNCED: The Youth Opera of South Jersey is seeking boys and girls, ages 8 to 18, of all levels of experience for its summer production of Sweeney Todd. Open auditions will be held Sun., March 4 from 1 to 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Methodist Church,8th and Central Ave. in Ocean City. Please enter through back door or lower level. Bring sheet music and be prepared to sing 16 to 24 bars of two contrasting songs. If you are new at this come prepared to sing whatever you are comfortable with. Questions? Contact Greta at
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or call (609) 780-5949.